3 international schools of the future evolving students into in-demand experts

“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X.

More and more, the evolving demands of the workforce call for innovative and versatile workers who are always up for the task. This has resulted in schools and players in the education sphere tailoring their curriculums to develop consistent quality, career-ready graduates through various means and methods. 

International schools, in particular, do this well. They constantly adapt and improve their educational approaches to prepare their students for the next step in their lives, whether for higher education or entry into the workforce. From personalised learning to integrating emerging technologies into their education, each decision is carefully made to provide students with a strong foundation in essential knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

It’s how some high school graduates stand out more than others. The school’s commitment to shaping well-rounded graduates shines through them. Here are three international schools doing their parts to mould students for a brighter future. 

Bangkok Patana School’s upcoming IBCP programme is a springboard for our students, launching them into their future creative careers with a robust portfolio of skills and knowledge. Source: Bangkok Patana School.

Bangkok Patana School

Thailand’s oldest British international school, Bangkok Patana School, understands that every learner is on a unique journey. Each needs and thrives on tailored training plans – it’s why differentiation is a big part of their approach to education. 

It’s for this reason that they’ve expanded their Senior Studies offerings from the sole IB Diploma programme to the upcoming International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP). Coming August 2024, the IBCP curriculum is specifically developed for career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills, like applied knowledge and communication. The programme will centre around art, combining the rigour of IB courses with the depth and specialism of a Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) International in Art and Design, which students take concurrently with the programme. 

The IBCP lets students benefit from IB’s renowned prestige while specialising in a creative element to gain a competitive edge. Bangkok Patana has already seen success stories – Andrea Gatchalian’s journey to the bright lights of London’s theatrical stages, Acksharaa Balaji’s harmonious venture across borders, Xavier Froger and Pirapong (Pipo) Dick’s transformation from classroom connection to the production of an album, Piers Illing’s courage to innovate, and Paul Sirisant’s myriad achievements – and a 99% IB Diploma pass rate. With the new IBCP, the school hopes to aid their students in further excelling in their chosen fields in the modern job market.

It’s more than just opening up new pathways for students, though. The school equips students with every advantage to help them progress after graduation. Talks hosted by experts happen regularly; recently, they had Dr. Shanton Chang, Professor of Information Behaviour and International Systems for the University of Melbourne, deliver a session on “Careers and Employability in a Post-Pandemic, AI-Driven World” to give insights into new jobs from the last five years. Discover more career-readying opportunities at Bangkok Patana School. 

Nexus International School is recognised as a top IB School in Malaysia. Source: Nexus International School Malaysia.

Nexus International School Malaysia

Amidst the Administrative Capital of Malaysia lies a school that is just as innovative as it is excellent. Established in 2008, Nexus International School Malaysia has consistently maintained its outstanding reputation. In 2016, its unique ability to look ahead was acknowledged — cultivating and developing innovative learning practices earned it the prestigious recognition of being an Apple Distinguished School. Pair future-focused approaches to learning with the top-tier IB curriculum, and students have a recipe for success. 

Innovation at Nexus means developing leaders in a globalised generation by nurturing a creative mindset and developing soft skills such as critical thinking and decision-making. Here, students experience “The Nexus Way”, a unique approach comprising four elements — Innovation, Relationships, Inclusion and Mindsets — makes up a “Nexus learner.” These building blocks lay the foundation for lifelong learning, and each serves as guiding principles that evolve learners into global leaders. 

For example, the CORE programme and Project Qualifications in IGCSE help students cultivate the needed competencies of project work, collaboration, and research skills to master all components of the IB Diploma. Upon graduation, they thrive at some of the finest universities in the world with the prowess needed to make an impact in their chosen passions — much like the graduates before them. 

Hong Kong International School’s curriculum encourages students to grow intellectually by engaging them in collaborative work, interdisciplinary studies, student portfolios, and the use of technology in learning. Source: Hong Kong International School.

Hong Kong International School

“Educational excellence with a difference.” That’s the approach Hong Kong International School (HKIS) strives to take in preparing students for the challenges of university and beyond. Aside from being dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accepting student community, it pushes its students to achieve their intellectual potential — and, given that HKIS graduates attend the top universities around the world, it has certainly succeeded on that front.

In its high school, students get the unique opportunity to take charge of their own learning. A choice-based curriculum allows students to apply their previous years of knowledge both within courses they select as well as through internships and outside experiences. It’s a proven method that develops a student’s understanding of how their classroom learning ties into the world around them — and subsequently moulds them into more versatile, adaptable citizens of the world.

Such distinctive forms of learning are common at HKIS, where the boundaries of a traditional education are challenged everyday. This is only made possible through the school’s host of exceptional faculty members, all of whom are committed to cultivating an inspired and enriching learning environment. All the while, students are supported by state-of-the-art facilities across two world-class campuses that make the most of Hong Kong’s beautiful natural environment.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International